We got one month non-subscription play.
Does this not indicate things?
Every MMO I have ever played, and I am going back to when the original EQ came out, gives you the first month access when you purchase the game. They include it in the price of the game.
Seriously I can not understand all the complaining about the down time. Truly I feel sorry for the EU people because it is during their prime time playing, as well as the people who work the non traditional shifts in the US. Downtime, especially at launch, is to be expected. All MMO's have downtime at launch, new content, expansions etc. Seriously get over it and just be patient. If you are old enough have a drink, youngsters go outside and play. Me, I will be trolling the boards until the come back up, play very happily until I am to tired and hope that I don't have to wait on downtime tomorrow. Zen has done a fabulous job overall with this launch and I for one applaud you.
Zenimax has basically failed at every promise. They've yet to make a downtime window time. I think it's fair to expect the worst. Make other plans or do something else.